MUNCIE, Ind. — Early registration for kindergarten at Muncie Community Schools for 2018-19 is up compared to two of the three prior years.

The number of kids enrolled at this year's kindergarten fair, on April 12, totaled 181. Another registration is scheduled closer to the start of school, which begins Aug. 6.

Thirty-eight (or 21 percent) of the 181 are enrolled in the English-Spanish dual language program at West View Elementary School.

Dea Moore-Young, director of elementary education for the school district, recently released early-kindergarten registration numbers to the school board:

• East Washington Academy — 23

• Grissom — 33

• Longfellow — 26

• North View — 27

• South View — 20

• West View — 52 (38 for dual language).

Early kindergarten enrollment totaled 124 for the 2015-16 school year, 147 for the 2016-17 school year, and 270 for the 2017-18 school year, but Moore-Young said the 270 number incorrectly counted dual-language students twice and is inaccurate.

West View became the state's 21st school to provide a dual-language program, which uses two languages to teach students academic content while also teaching students to be bilingual and biliterate.

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West View Elementary kindergartners recited the Pledge of Allegiance in English, then Spanish. They were on the Muncie School Board agenda Tuesday.
Star Press, The Star Press

Students in dual-language programs consistently perform at or above grade level on standardized assessments in math and English; are globally minded; carry a deeper understanding of and appreciation for other cultures; are more prepared for a global work force, and are bettter able to adapt to and communicate with clients, colleagues and collaborators around the world, according to the state department of education.

The dual-language program at West View is generating some interest outside the Muncie district. At least five of the 38 kindergartners who registered for the program this coming year reside outside, Moore-Young told The Star Press.

"This is just initial enrollment from the kindergarten fair," she told the school board, speaking of the 181 registrations.